Emma Elizabeth Lindsey Thomas papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0594

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Dates

1885-1960

Creator

Thomas, Emma Lindsey (Emma Elizabeth Lindsey), 1882-1973 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

Emma Elizabeth Lindsey Thomas was born in November 1882, the only daughter of Mark Lindsey. She spent the first years of her life in Ogden, Utah, and entered Weber State Academy in 1893. She began a singing career shortly after moving to Salt Lake City and soloed in several Lucy Gates Grand Opera productions and later became a member of the Tabernacle Choir. She also entertained at many civic and social affairs. Thomas served as the State Regent of the Daughters of the Utah Indian War Veterans. In 1917, she was named as Chief Clerk to the Board of Examiners. She worked closely with the then Secretary of State, Harden Bennion, and Governor Simon Bamberger. In 1920, Emma Lindsey Thomas left Utah and her position with the state to serve on a mission in the Eastern States for the LDS Church. Thomas was transferred to the Southern States Mission in 1921. Upon her return to Salt Lake City, Thomas was elected a delegate to the Democratic Legislative Convention. She also served as the Secretary of the National Council of Women Voters. Thomas also acted as the supervisor of the Lindsey Gardens. She started in this position in 1924. Emma married Warren John "Jack" Thomas in the Salt Lake LDS temple on 16 October 1929 and spent the final years of her life traveling throughout the world with her husband. Jack Thomas died in August of 1973, and Emma followed him in October 1973.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Emma Elizabeth Lindsey Thomas papers (1885-1960) is an assortment of letters and printed materials, including missionary correspondence from Thomas' brother, Alma Lindsey, between 1898 and 1900. There are also several musical programs dating from 1917 to 1926, from productions Thomas (1882-1973) performed in or was in some way connected. Also included is correspondence received during her Mormon missionary work in the Eastern States Mission and the Southern States Mission during the early 1920s. Thomas was involved with several civic organizations, including the Daughters of the Utah Handcart Pioneers, the Daughters of Utah Indian War Veterans, the Red Cross Chapter of the Daughters of Utah Indian War Veterans, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, and the Black Hawk Indian War Veterans. Scrapbooks in the collection document these involvements, as well as her activities as a member of the National Council of Women Voters and the Utah Democratic Party. Other materials include family correspondence and information on her work as Chief Clerk of the Board of Examiners.